It is located at 2,227 metres (7,306 ft) on Mount Oku, and is completely surrounded by cloud forest.

[1] The lake lies in an explosion crater formed in the last phase of development of the Oku Massif, a large volcanic field with a diameter of about 100 kilometres (62 mi).

Mount Oku is a stratovolcano that rises to 3,011 metres (9,879 ft).

[2] The lake is the subject of many myths among the local people.

[4] The surrounding Kilum-Ijim Forest is a nature reserve, set up by BirdLife International, and home to many rare species.